Atlatl Rock

Atlatl Rock is named for the Anasazi petroglyph of the Atlatl man, depicted holding his weapon, with a larger atlatl shown above him. The atlatl, used in the Americas as early as 6000 B.C., made spear throwing more efficient by using leverage to add extra force to a throw. It consists of a shaft with a handle on one end and a hook on the other, holding the end of the spear. See the uppermost figure on the sign to help you locate the atlatl petroglyph. Atlatl Rock is located within Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s oldest and largest park, six miles from Lake Mead and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas.